Using Timber In Commercial Playground Equipment: AN Essential Maintenance Guide

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When investing in timber playground equipment, understanding its maintenance needs ensures safety, aesthetics, and longevity. By adopting a proactive maintenance plan, you not only protect your investment but also enhance the play experience for generations. Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your timber playground equipment, with a realistic look at what to expect and how to handle it.

What to Know Before You Buy

Moduplay has crafted much-loved and long-lasting play equipment from selected Australian timbers for over 35 years; we know timber can perform well in harsh Australian environments and how to take care of it.

Firstly, while timber is celebrated for its beauty and rustic warmth, it is a natural, organic material. Being organic means it will inevitably break down over time. In saying that, the timbers we selectively work with will easily outlast the life of an average playground in Australia, with minimal maintenance.

Here are a few points to consider:

• Re-coating Timeline: Timber coatings typically require re-application every 6–12 months, depending on exposure and wear. A quick water-bead test can help determine when re-coating is needed.
• Ease of Maintenance: Many coatings, such as Intergrain Universal Timber Oil, are straightforward to apply. Keeping the surface clean and free from debris simplifies the process.
• Natural Imperfections: Expect ‘checking’—minor cracks or splits in the timber—as it acclimates to its environment. This is entirely normal and does not compromise structural integrity.
• Weathered timber effect: Often our clients are looking to achieve a driftwood grey appearance of naturally weathered timber. Great! It is likely you will only need to check the playground routinely for excessive checking or wear and tear and, depending on local conditions, it may need no coating at all.

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Understanding Timber Coatings

The type of coating on your timber dictates its maintenance needs:

• Intergrain Universal Timber Oil (Dusty Oak): A user-friendly, durable choice for most applications.
• Quantum Timber Finishes ‘Timbre Plus – Decking’: Renowned for its long-lasting protection.

Inspect for water penetration every six months. If water no longer beads on the surface, it’s time to re-coat​.

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Common Challenges and Solutions

Timber is resilient, but exposure to the elements can lead to certain issues:

• Footing Rot: Often caused by poor drainage or constant shade. Ensure proper installation and water runoff to prevent this.
• Mould and Moss Growth: Clean timber surfaces regularly with a mild detergent. Avoid products with wax additives, which can hinder recoating​.
• Splinters and Roughness: Light sanding removes splinters and smooths rough areas. Remember, a slightly rough texture can(will) enhance grip for playground users.

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Proactive Maintenance Tasks

Adopt these essential tasks as part of your routine:

• Inspections: Check for cracks, wear, or structural concerns every six months.
• Cleaning: Remove dirt, moss, and mould using mild cleaning agents. In many cases, a simple hosedown is all that’s needed.
• Re–coating: Depending on usage and environment, reapply a recommended timber oil every 6–12 months.
• Drainage Checks: Prevent waterlogging by ensuring proper drainage around footings​.

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Advanced Strategies for Longevity

Going beyond basic maintenance can further enhance the lifespan of your equipment:

• Professional Inspections: Engage certified inspectors annually to address any emerging issues.
• Record Keeping: Maintain a log of inspections, repairs, and recoating to track maintenance history and warranty requirements.

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The Importance of Timber Education

Customers often express concerns about natural timber features such as ‘checking’ or minor splitting. At Moduplay, we educate our clients to differentiate between normal occurrences and actual issues:

• Checking: A harmless process as the timber adjusts to its environment.
• Surface Splits: Addressed with prompt sanding and recoating to prevent further wear.

Remember, timber’s natural resilience, when combined with proper maintenance, makes it an excellent choice for playgrounds, blending aesthetics with durability.

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Need Help?

Contact us for more information or download our Playground Maintenance & Inspection Handbook for detailed guidance.

By following these practices, you’ll ensure your playground remains safe, inviting, and beautiful for years to come.

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Why Moduplay?

At Moduplay, we have decades of experience creating Australian-made playgrounds that inspire joy and connection. Our collaborative approach to community consultation ensures every project reflects the unique identity and needs of its users while upholding the highest standards of design, quality, and safety.

Together, we can create spaces that bring people together, foster well-being, and celebrate the spirit of your community.

Let’s build something extraordinary.

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